Chapter Summary

After a long day of distressing events and a sleepless night, Nick goes to visit Gatsby at his mansion. Gatsby explains to Nick how he waited outside the Buchanan mansion until 4 am in order to ensure Daisy's safety, however Tom did not hurt her. Nick then suggests that Gatsby should leave Long Island and forget about Daisy, but Gatsby refuses to do this. He then tells Nick about his past with Daisy, during their romance 5 years earlier. He explains how he loved Daisy, but even more how he idolized her for her wealth, popularity and social status. He explains that he has never felt closer to a woman than to Daisy. He also admits that he lied about his background and wealth so she would feel he was worthy of her. Eventually Gatsby had to go off to war, with nothing but a promise from Daisy that she'd wait for him. However, when he returned, Daisy was betrothed to Tom who had the social status and respect that Gatsby was longing for. Their discussion is interrupted by Gatsby's gardener asking if they can drain the pool before the seasons change. Surprisingly, Gatsby's asks to leave the pool for one more day, as he wants to go for a swim, yet Gatsby hasn't swam the entire summer. Nick soon has to leave as he realizes he is running late for work but as he's walking out he turns around tells Gatsby that he is worth more than all of the Buchanans and their friends. When Nick finally arrives at the office he is much to distracted to work.

Meanwhile, George Wilson has been up all night talking to his friend Michaelis about the details of Myrtle's death. He explains how he confronted Myrtle the night before about having a lover and how she could not hide her sins from the eyes of God. He believes that the eyes T.J. Eckleburg are the eyes of God and eventually comes to the conclusion that the person driving the car was Myrtle's lover. He assumes that God demands revenge and decides to take action. He sets out to Tom Buchanan's house as he figures that Tom was familiar with the vehicles driver. In the end Wilson arrives at Gatsby's house and finds him lying on the air mattress in his pool. He shoots Gatsby, killing him instantly and finally shoots himself. When Nick hears the news he rushes back to West Egg to find the dead Jay Gatsby floating in the pool.